Inhibitors of 11-beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compounds with the formula (I) and also to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, to processes for their preparation, as well as to the use of the compounds in medicine and for the preparation of a medicament which acts on the human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to novel compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, to processes for their preparation, as well as to the use of the compounds in medicine and for the preparation of a medicament which acts on the human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11βHSD1).

BACKGROUND ART

1. Glucorticoids, Diabetes and Hepatic Glucose Production

It has been known for more than half a century that glucocorticoids have a central role in diabetes, e.g. the removal of the pituitary or the adrenal gland from a diabetic animal alleviates the most severe symptoms of diabetes and lowers the concentration of glucose in the blood (Long, C. D. and F. D. W. Leukins (1936) J. Exp. Med. 63: 465-490; Houssay, B. A. (1942) Endocrinology 30: 884-892). It is also well established that glucocorticoids enable the effect of glucagon on the liver.

The role of 11βHSD1 as an iimportant regulator of local glucocorticoid effect and thus of hepatic glucose production is well substantiated (see e.g. Jamieson et al. (2000) J. Endocrinol. 165: p. 685-692). The hepatic insulin sensitivity was improved in healthy human volunteers treated with the non-specific 11βHSD1 inhibitor carbenoxolone (Walker, B. R. et al. (1995) J. Clin Endocrinol. Metab. 80: 3155-3159). Furthermore, the expected mechanism has been established by different experiments with mice and rats. These studies showed that the mRNA levels and activities of two key enzymes in hepatic glucose production were reduced, namely: the rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis, phosphoenolpynivate carboxyliinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) catalyzing the last common step of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Finally, the blood glucose level and hepatic glucose production is reduced in mice having the 11βHSD1 gene knocked-out. Data from this model also confirm that inhibition of 11βHSD1 will not cause hypoglycemia, as predicted since the basal levels of PEPCK and G6Pase are regulated independently of glucocorticoids (Kotelevtsev, Y. et al., (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94: 14924-14929).

2. Possible Reduction of Obesity and Obesity Related Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Obesity is an important factor in syndrome X as well as in the majority (>80%) of type 2 diabetic, and omental fat appears to be of central importance. Abdominal obesity is closely associated with glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and other factors of the so-called syndrome X (e.g. raised blood pressure, decreased levels of HDL and increased levels of VLDL) (Montague & O'Rahilly, Diabetes 49: 883-888, 2000). inhibition of the enzyme in pre-adipocytes (stromal cells) has been shown to decrease the rate of differentiation into adipocytes. This is predicted to result in diminished expansion (possibly reduction) of the omental fat depot, i.e. reduced central obesity (Bujalska, I. J., S. Kunmar, and P. M. Stewart (1997) Lancet 349: 1210-1213).

Inhibition of 11βHSD1 in mature adipocytes is expected to attenuate secretion of the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1(PAI-1)—an independent cardiovascular risk factor (Halleux, C. M. et al. (1999) J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 84: 4097-4105). Furthermore, there is a clear correlation between glucocorticoid “activity” and cardiovascular risk factore suggesting that a reduction of the glucocorticoid effects would be beneficial (Walker, B. R. et al. (1998) Hypertension 31: 891-895; Fraser, R. et al. (1999) Hypertension 33: 1364-1368).

Adrenalectomy attenuates the effect of fasting to increase both food intake and hypothalamic neuropeptide Y expression. This supports the role of glucocorticoids in promoting food intake and suggests that inhibition of 11βHSD1 in the brain might increase satiety and therefore reduce food intake (Woods, S. C. et al. (1998) Science, 280: 1378-1383).

3. Possible Beneficial Effect on the Pancreas

Inhibition of 11βHSD1 in isolated murine pancreatic β-cells improves the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (Davani, B. et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem 2000 Nov. 10; 275(45): 34841-4). Glucocorticoids were previously known to reduce pancreatic insulin release in vivo (Billaudel, B. and B. C. J. Sutter (1979) Horm. Metab. Res. 11: 555-560). Thus, inhibition of 11βHSD1 is predicted to yield other beneficial effects for diabetes treatment, besides effects on liver and fat.

4. Possible Beneficial Effects on Cognition and Dementia Stress and glucocorticoids influence cognitive function (de Quervain, D. J.-F., B. Roozendaal, and J. L. McGaugh (1998) Nature 394: 787-790). The enzyme 11βHSD1 controls the level of glucocorticoid action in the brain and thus contributes to neurotoxicity (Rajan, V., C. R. W. Edwards, and J. R. Seckl, J. (1996) Neuroscience 16: 65-70; Seckl, J. R., Front. (2000) Neuroendocrinol. 18: 49-99). Unpublished results indicate significant memory improvement in rats treated with a non-specific 11βHSD1 inhibitor (J. Seckl, personal communication). Based the above and on the known effects of glucocorticoids in the brain, it may also be suggested that inhibiting 11βHSD1 in the brain may result in reduced anxiety Tronche, F. et al. (1999) Nature Genetics 23:-99-103). Thus, taken together, the hypothesis is that inhibition of 11βHSD1 in the human brain would prevent reactivation of cortisone into cortisol and protect against deleterious glucocorticoid-mediated effects on neuronal survival and other aspects of neuronal function, including cognitive impairment, depression, and increased appetite (previous section).

5. Possible Use of Immuno-Modulation using 11βHSD1 Inhibitors

The general perception is that glucocorticoids suppress the immune system. But in fact there is a dynamic interaction between the immune system and the HPA (hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal) axis (Rook, G. A. W. (1999) Baillièr's Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 13: 576-581). The balance between the cell-mediated response and humoral responses is modulated by glucocorticoids. A high glucocorticoid activity, such as at a state of stress, is associated with a humoral response. Thus, inhibition of the enzyme 11βHSD1 has been suggested as a means of shifting the response towards a cell-based reaction.

In certain disease states, including tuberculosis, lepra and psoriasis the immune reaction is normaly biased towards a humoral response when in fact the appropriate response would be cell based. Temporal inhibition of 11βHSD1, local or systemic, might be used to push the immune system into the appropriate response (Mason, D. (1991) Immunology Today 12: 57-60; Rook et al., supra).

An analogous use of 11βHSD1 inhibition, in this case temporal, would be to booster the immune response in association with immunization to ensure that a cell based response would be obtained, when desired.

6. Reduction of Intraocular Pressure

Recent data suggest that the levels of the glucocorticoid target receptors and the 11βHSD enzymes determines the susceptibility to glaucoma (Stokes, J. et al. (2000) Invest. Ophthalmol. 41: 1629-1638). Further, inhibition of 11βHSD1 was recently presented as a novel approach to lower the intraocular pressure (Walker E. A. et al, poster P3-698 at the Endocrine society meeting Jun. 12-15, 1999, San Diego). Ingestion of carbenoxolone, a non-specific inhibitor of 11βHSD1, was shown to reduce the intraocular pressure by 20% in normal subjects. In the eye, expression of 11βHSD1 is confined to basal cells of the corneal epithelium and the non-pigmented epithelialium of the cornea (the site of aqueous production), to ciliary muscle and to the sphincter and dilator muscles of the iris. In contrast, the distant isoenzyme 11βHSD2 is highly expressed in the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium and corneal endothelium. None of the enzymes is found at the trabecular meshwork, the site of drainage. Thus, 11βHSD1 is suggested to have a role in aqueous production, rather than drainage, but it is presently unknown if this is by interfering with activation of the glucocorticoid or the mineralocorticoid receptor, or both.

7. Reduced Osteoporosis

Glucocorticoids have an essential role in skeletal development and function but are detrimental in excess. Glucocorticoid-induced bone loss is derived, at least in part, via inhibition of bone formation, which includes suppression of osteoblast proliferation and collagen synthesis (Kim, C. H., S. L. Cheng, and G. S. Kim (1999) J. Endocrinol. 162: 371-379). The negative effect on bone nodule formation could be blocked by the non-specific inhibitor carbenoxolone suggesting an important role of 11βHSD1 in the glucocorticoid effect (Bellows, C-. G., A. Ciaccia, and J. N. M. Heersche, (1998) Bone 23: 119-125). Other data suggest a role of 11βHSD1 in providing sufficiently high levels of active glucocorticoid in osteoclasts, and thus in augmenting bone resorption (Cooper, M. S. et al (2000) Bone 27: 375-381). Taken together, these different data suggest that inhibition of 11βHSD1 may have beneficial effects against osteoporosis by more than one mechanism working in parallel.

WO 99/65884 discloses carbon substituted aminothiazole inhibitors of cyclin dependent kinases. These compounds may e.g. be used against cancer, inflammation and arthritis. U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,347 discloses an antibacterial preparation or bactericide comprising 2-aminothiazole derivative and/or salt thereof. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,857 discloses benzenesulfonamide derivatives having 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. Additionally, tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridines are disclosed in: Analgesic tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridines. Fr. Addn (1969), 18 pp, Addn. to Fr. 1498465. CODEN: FAXXA3; FR 94123 19690704 CAN 72:100685 AN 1970:100685 CAPLUS and 4,5,6,7-Tetrthydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridines. Neth. Appl. (1967), 39 pp. CODEN: NAXXAN NL 6610324 19670124 CAN 68:49593, AN 1968: 49593 CAPLUS.

FR 2384498 discloses thiazolo-benzenesulfonamides which show antibacterial, antifungal and hypoglycaemic properties. WO99/28306 and EP 0 819 681 A2 relate to thiazolobenzenesulfonamides which can be used for treating neurodegenerative pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease. JP 7149745 A2 and JP 7149746 A2 both describe 2-aminothiazole derivatives as esterase inhibitors. Nothing is disclosed about inhibiting 11βHSD1. JP 7309757 A2 relates to treating Alzheimer's disease using N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl)benzenesulfonamides. JP 3173876 A2 presents preparation of diphenylthiazoles. These compounds are used as anti-inflammatories, analgesics, anti-allergy agents, uric acid accelerators and blood platelet aggregation inhibitors. EP 0 790 057 A1 discloses an antibacterial or bactericide comprising a 2-aminothiazole derivative. U.S. Pat. No. 2,362,087 describes the preparation of thiazolobenzenesulfonamides, such as 2-bromobenzenesulfonamido-4-methylthiazole. Nothing is disclosed about inhibiting 11βHSD1 and no therapeutic use of such substances is disclosed.

However, none of the above disclosures discloses the compounds according to the present invention, or their use for the treatment of diabetes, obesity, glaucoma, osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, immune disorders, and depression.

Consequently, there is a need of new compounds that are useful in the treatment of diabetes, obesity, glaucoma, osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, immune disorders, and depression.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The compounds according to the present invention solve the above problems and embraces a novel class of compounds which has been developed and which inhibit the human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11-β-HSD₁), and may therefore be of use in the treating disorders such as diabetes, obesity, glaucoma, osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, immune disorders, and depression.

One object of the present invention is a compound of the formula (I)

wherein

T is a monocyclic aryl ring or monocyclic heteroaryl ring, optionally independently substituted by [R]_(n), wherein n is an integer 0-5, and R is hydrogen, C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogen, aryl or aryloxy, wherein the aryloxy residue can further be optionally substituted in one or more positions independently of each other by cyano and halogen;

with the proviso:

that when A is methyl and B is hydrogen, then T is not phenyl;

that when A is methyl and B is 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, then T is not 4-methylphenyl;

that when A is methyl and B is hydrogen, then T is not 4-bromophenyl;

that when A is tert-butyl and B is bromo, then T is not 4-chlorophenyl;

optionally also when A is methyl and B is hydrogen, then T is not 4-methylphenyl;

optionally also when A is methyl and B is hydrogen, then T is not 4-chlorophenyl; and

optionally also when A is methyl and B is 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, then T is not 4-methylphenyl.

A is C₁₋₆-alkyl, vinyl or 3-(ethyl 3-methylbutanoate);

B is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, halogenated C₁₋₆-allyl, C₁₋₆-acyl or C₁₋₆-aloxycarbonyl;

as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof.

It is preferred that:

T is selected from 4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thienyl and phenyl substituted with one or more of bromo, chloro, 3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy, fluoro, methyl, phenyl, n-propyl;

with the proviso:

that when A is methyl and B is hydrogen, then T is not phenyl;

that when A is methyl and B is 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, then T is not 4-methylphenyl;

that when A is methyl and B is hydrogen, then T is not 4-bromophenyl;

that when A is tert-butyl and B is bromo, then T is not 4-chlorophenyl;

optionally also when A is methyl and B is hydrogen, then T is not 4-methylphenyl;

optionally also when A is methyl and B is hydrogen, then T is not 4-chlorophenyl; and

optionally also when A is methyl and B is 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, then T is not 4-methylphenyl.

A is selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, i-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, vinyl or 3-(ethyl 3-methylbutanoate);

B is selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, acetyl and carbethoxy.

When T is a substituted phenyl group, it is preferred that the phenyl ring is substituted as follows:

-   a) either T is phenyl, wherein the phenyl is substituted with one or     more of 3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy, fluoro, phenyl, n-propyl and, in o-     or m-position, bromo, chloro, methyl; -   b) T is phenyl substituted with at least two chloro and optionally     one or more methyl; or -   c) T is phenyl substituted with one bromo and 2 fluoro.

Specific examples of compounds according to the invention are:

-   -   4-chloro-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-2,4,6-trichlorobenzene-sulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-N-(5-ethyl4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-methyl-5-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-N-(4-ethyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-N-(4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-N-(4-isopropyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(4-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-butyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(4-tert-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   ethyl         3-(2-{[(2,4-dichloro-6-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-3-methylbutanoate,     -   2,4-dichloro-6-methyl-N-(4-pentyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-vinyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-(3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy)benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-propylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,5-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thienylsulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-2,5-difluoro-2-benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,6-dichlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-propylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide.

Another object of the present invention is a compound as described above for medical use.

Another object of the present invention is a process for the preparation of a compound as described above comprising at least one of the following steps:

-   a) sulfonamide coupling by reacting a 2-aminothiazole with a     sulfonylchloride in the presence of a base, -   b) sulfonamide coupling by reacting a 2-aminothiazole derivative     with a sulfonylchloride in the presence of a base,     -   c) saponification by treatment of a carboxylic acid ester with         aqueous hydroxide,     -   d) amide coupling by reacting a carboxylic acid with an amine in         the presence of EDCI,     -   e) formation of a thiazole ring by reacting an optionally         substituted thiourea with an α-haloketone,     -   f) formation of a thiazole ring by reacting a thiourea with a         ketone,     -   g) reduction of an ester with lithium aluminium hydride,     -   h) conversion of an alcohol to a bromide with triphenylphosphine         and carbon tetrabromide,     -   i) elimination of a bromide with a base to an alkene.

Another object of the present invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of diabetes, syndrome X, obesity, glaucoma, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, dementia, depression, virus diseases and inflammatory disorders, said method comprising administering to a mammal, including man, in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of the formula (I)

wherein

T is an aryl ring or heteroaryl ring, optionally independently substituted by [R]_(n), wherein n is an integer 0-5, and R is hydrogen, C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogen, aryl or axyloxy, wherein the aryloxy residue can further be optionally substituted in one or more positions independently of each other by cyano and halogen;

A is C₁₋₆-alkyl, vinyl or 3-(ethyl 3-methylbutanoate);

B is hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁₋₆-alkyl, C₁₋₆-acyl or C₁₋₆-alkoxycarbonyl;

as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof

These compounds may also be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention, management or treatment of diabetes, syndrome X, obesity, glaucoma, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, dementia, depression, virus diseases and inflammatory disorders.

It is preferred that:

T is selected from 4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thienyl and phenyl substituted with one or more of bromo, chloro, 3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy, fluoro, methyl phenyl n-propyl;

A is selected from methyl ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl tert-butyl n-pentyl, vinyl or 3-(ethyl 3-methylbutanoate);

B is selected from hydrogen, bromo, methyl, ethyl n-propyl, n-butyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, acetyl and carbethoxy.

Specific examples of compounds according to the invention are:

-   -   4-chloro-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   4-chloro-N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-[4methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-2,4,6-trichlorobenzene-sulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-N-(5-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4methyl-5-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-N-(4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-N-(isopropyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(4-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-butyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(4-tert-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   ethyl         3-(2-{[(2,4-dichloro-6-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-3-methylbutanoate,     -   2,4-dichloro-6-methyl-N-(4-pentyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-vinyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-(3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy)benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-propylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,5-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thienylsulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-2,5-difluoro-2-benzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,6-dichlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-propylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide,     -   N-[5-bromo-4-(tert-butyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide.

Another object of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of the formula (I) as defined above, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The compounds according to the present invention may be used in several indications which involve 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme. Thus the compounds according to the present invention may be used against dementia (see WO97/07789), osteoporosis (see Canalis E 1996, Mechanisms of glucocorticoid action in bone: implications to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 81, 3441-3447) and may also be used disorders in the immune system (see Franchimont et al., “Inhibition of Th1 immune response by glucocorticoids: dexamethasone selectively inhibits IL-12-induced Stat 4 phosphorylation in T lymphocytes”, The journal of Immunology 2000, Feb. 15, vol 164 (4), pages 1768-74) and also in the above listed indications.

The various terms used, separately and in combinations, in the above definition of the compounds having the formula (I) will be explained.

The term “aryl” in the present description is intended to include aromatic rings (monocyclic or bicyclic) having from 6 to 10 ring carbon atoms, such as phenyl (Ph; a monocyclic ring) and naphthyl (a bicyclic ring), which optionally may be substituted by C₁₋₆-alkyl. Examples of substituted aryl groups are benzyl and 2-methylphenyl

The term “eteroaryl” means in the present description a monocyclic, bi- or tricyclic aromatic ring system (only one ring need to be aromatic) having from 5 to 14, preferably 5 to 10 ring atoms such as 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 ring atoms (mono- or bicyclic), in which one or more of the ring atoms are other than carbon, such as nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen and selenium. Examples of such heteroaryl rings are pyrrole, imidazole, thiophene, furan, thiazole, isothiazole, thiadiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, oxadiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, chroman, isochroman, quinoline, quinoxaline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, cinnoline, quinazoline, indole, isoindole, indoline, isoindoline, benzothiophene, benzofuran, isobenzofuran, benzoxazole, 2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, benzothiazole, 2,1,3-benzothiazole, 2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole, benzimidazole, indazole, benzodioxane, indane, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline, 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine, 1,5-naphthyridine, 1,8-naphthyridine, acridine, fenazine and xanthene. Examples of monocyclic heteroaryl rings are pyrrole, imidazole, thiophene, furan, thiazole, isothiazole, thiadiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, oxadiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, pyrazole, triazole, and tetrazole.

C₁₋₆-alkyl in the compound of formula (I) according to the present application, which may be straight or branched, is preferably C₁₋₄-alkyl. Exemplary alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl isopropyl butyl sec-butyl tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl hexyl, and isohexyl.

C₁₋₆-alkoxy, in the compound of formula (I) according to the present application may be straight or branched, is preferably C₁₋₄-alkoxy. Exemplary alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, n-pentyloxy, isopentyloxy, hexyloxy, and isohexyloxy.

C₁₋₆-acyl, in the compound of formula (1) according to the present application may be saturated or unsaturated and is preferably C₁₋₄-acyl. Exemplary acyl groups include formyl, acetyl, propionyl butyryl, isobutyryl, valeryl, isovaleryl, butenoyl (e.g. 3-butenoyl); hexenoyl (e.g. 5-hexenoyl).

The term “halogen” in the present description is intended to include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

The term “prodrug forms” in the present description means a pharmacologically acceptable derivative, such as an ester or an amide, which derivative is biotransformed in the body to form the active drug (see Goodman and Gilman's, The Pharmacological basis of Therapeutics, 8^(th) ed., McGraw-Hill, Int. Ed. 1992, “Biotransformation of Drugs, p. 13-15).

“Pharmaceutically acceptable” means in the present description being useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and includes being useful for veterinary use as well as human pharmaceutical use.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” mean in the present description salts which are pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined above, and which possess the desired pharmacological activity. Such salts include acid addition salts formed with organic and inorganic acids, such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen iodide, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, methanesulfonic acid, triluoroacetic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, ascorbic acid and the like. Base addition salts may be formed with organic and inorganic bases, such as sodium, ammonia, potassium, calcium, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, N-methylglucamine, choline and the like.

Pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier together with at least one of the compounds comprising the formula (I) as described herein above, dissolved or dispersed therein as an active, antimicrobial, ingredient. In a preferred embodiment the therapeutic composition is not immunogenic when administered to a human patient for therapeutic purposes, unless that purpose is to induce an immune response.

The preparation of a pharmacological composition that contains active ingredients dissolved or dispersed therein is well understood in the art. Typically such compositions are prepared as sterile in injectables either as liquid solutions or suspensions, aqueous or non-aqueous, however, solid forms suitable for solution, or suspensions, in liquid prior to use can also be prepared. The preparation can also be emulsified.

The active ingredient may be mixed with excipients, which are pharmaceutically acceptable and compatible with the active ingredient and in amounts suitable for use in the therapeutic methods described herein. Suitable excipients are, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol or the like and combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, the composition may contain minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents and the like which enhance the effectiveness of the active ingredient. Adjuvants may also be present in the composition.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well known in the art. Exemplary of liquid carriers are sterile aqueous solutions that contain no materials in addition to the active ingredients and water, or contain a buffer such as sodium phosphate at physiological pH value, physiological saline or both, such as phosphate-buffered saline. Still further, aqueous carriers can contain more than one buffer salt, as well as salts such as sodium and potassium chlorides, dextrose, propylene glycol polyethylene glycol and other solutes.

Liquid compositions can also contain liquid phases in addition to and to the exclusion of water. Exemplary of such additional liquid phases are glycerine, vegetable oils such as cottonseed oil, organic esters such as ethyl oleate, and water-oil emulsions.

The pharmaceutical composition according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention comprising compounds comprising the formula (I), may include pharmaceutically acceptable salts of that component therein as set out above. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the acid addition salts (formed with the free amino groups of the polypeptide) that are formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic acid, tartaric acid, mandelic acid and the like. Salts formed with the free carboxyl groups can also be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine and the like.

The preparations according to the preferred embodiments may be administered orally, topically, intraperitoneally, intraarticularly, intracranially, intradermally, intramuscularly, intraocularly, intrathecally, intravenously, subcutaneously. Other routes which are known for the skilled person in the art are thinkable.

The orally administrable compositions according to the present invention may be in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, granules, lozenges, liquid or gel preparations; such as oral, topical or sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions. Tablets and capsules for oral administration may be in unit dose presentation form and may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, for example syrup, acacia, gelatin, sorbitol traganath or polyvinyl-pyrrolidone; fillers e.g. lactose, sugar, maize-starch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol or glycine; tabletting lubricant e.g. magnesium stearate, talc, polyethylene glycol or silica; disintegrants e.g. potato starch, or acceptable wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice. Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of e.g. aqueous or oily suspensions, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs or may be presented as a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, e.g. sorbitol, syrup, methyl cellulose, glucose syrup, gelatin hydrogenated edible fats; emulsifying agents e.g. lecithin, sorbitan monooleate or acacia, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), e.g. almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, oily esters such as glycerine, propylene glycol, or ethyl alcohol; preservatives e.g. methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate or sorbic acid, and if desired conventional flavouring or colouring agents.

A pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention, may comprise typically an amount of at least 0.1 weight percent of compound comprising the formula (I) per weight of total therapeutic composition. A weight percent is a ratio by weight of total composition. Thus, for example, 0.1 weight percent is 0.1 grams of compound comprising the formula (I) per 100 grams of total composition. A suitable daily oral dose for a mammal, preferably a human being, may vary widely depending on the condition of the patient. However a dose of compound comprising the formula (I) of about 0.1 to 300 mg/kg body weight may be appropriate.

The compositions according to the present invention may also be used veterinarily and thus they may comprise a veterinarily acceptable excipient or carrier.

The compounds of the present invention in labelled form, e.g. isotopically labelled, may be used as a diagnostic agent.

The compounds of the formula (I) above may be prepared by, or in analogy with, conventional methods, and especially according to or in analogy with the following methods. Further, the pharmacology in-vitro was studied using the following reagents and methods.

All publications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference. By the expression “comprising” we understand including but not limited to. Thus, other non-mentioned substances, additives or carriers may be present.

The invention will now be described in reference to the following Figures and Examples. These Figures and Examples are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the present invention, but shall only serve in an illustrative manner.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS Scintillation Proximity Assay

[1,2(n)-³H]-cortisone was purchased from Amersham Pharmacia Biotech Anti-cortisol monoclonal mouse antibody, clone 6D6.7 was obtained from Immunotech and Scintillation proximity assay (SPA) beads coated with monoclonal antimouse antibodies were from Amersham Pharmacia Biotech. NADPH, tetrasodium salt was from Calbiochem and glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P) was supplied by Sigma. The human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 enzyme (11-β-HSD₁) was expressed in Pichia pastoris. 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) was obtained from Sigma. The serial dilutions of the compounds were performed on a Tecan Genesis RSP 150. Compounds to be tested were dissolved in DMSO (1 mM) and diluted in 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.2 containing 1 mM EDTA.

The multiplication of plates was done on a WallacQuadra. The amount of the product [³H]-cortisol, bound to the beads was determined in a Packard, Top Count microplate liquid scintillation counter.

The 11-β-HSD₁ enzyme assay was carried out in 96 well microtiter plates (Packard, Optiplate) in a total well volume of 220 μL and contained 30 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.2 with 1 mM EDTA, a substrate mixture tritiated Cortisone/NADPH (175 nM/181 μM), G-6-P (1 mM) and inhibitors in serial dilutions (9 to 0.15 μM. Reactions were initiated by the addition of human 11-β-HSD₁, either as Pichia pastoris cell homogenate or microsomes prepared from Pichia pastoris (the final amount of enzyme used was varied between 0.057 to 0.11 mg/mL). Following mixing, the plates were shaken for 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature. The reactions were terminated with 10 μL 1 mM GA stop solution. Monoclonal mouse antibody was then added (10 μL of 4 μM) followed by 100 μL of SPA beads (suspended according to the manufacturers instructions). Appropriate controls were set up by omitting the 11-β-HSD₁ to obtain the non-specific binding (NSB) value.

The plates were covered with plastic film and incubated on a shaker for 30 minutes, at room temperature, before counting. The amount of [³H]-cortisol, bound to the beads was determined in a microplate liquid scintillation counter.

The calculation of the K_(i) values for the inhibitors was performed by use of Activity Base. The K_(i) value is calculated from IC₅₀ and the K_(m) value is calculated using the Cheng Prushoff equation (with reversible inhibition that follows the Michaelis-Menten equation): K_(i)=IC₅₀(1+[S]/K_(m)) [Cheng, Y. C.; Prushoff, W. H. Biochem. Pharmacol. 1973, 22, 3099-3108]. The IC₅₀ is measured experimentally in an assay wherein the decrease of the turnover of cortisone to cortisol is dependent on the inhibition potential of each substance. The K_(i) values of the compounds of the present invention for the 11-β-HSD1 enzyme lie typically between about 10 nM and about 10 μM. Illustrative of the invention, the following K_(i) values have been determined in the human 11-β-HSD1 enzyme assay (see Table 1): TABLE 1 Ki values determined in the human 11-β-HSD1 enzyme assay. Compound of Example K_(i) (nM) 3 122 6 123 18 90 22 108

COMPOUND PREPARATION

General:

For preparative straight phase HPLC purification a Phenomenex column (250×21.1 mm, 10 μm) was used on a Gilson system eluting with ethanol in chloroform (gradient from 0 -10% in 10 min) with a flow of 20 mL/min. Column chromatography was performed on silica using Silica gel 60 (230-400 mesh), Merck Melting points were determined on a Gallenkamp apparatus. Elemental analyses were recorded using a Vario EL instrument. HPLC analyses were performed using a Hypersil Elite column (150×4.6 mm, 3μ) with a flow of 3 mL/min on a Waters 600E system with monitoring at 254 nm. Reverse phase preparative HPLC was carried out on a 100×21.2 mm, 5μ Hypersil Elite column eluting with a gradient of 5% ACN in 95% water to 95% ACN in 5% water (0.2% TFA buffer) over 10 mins at a flow rate of 20 mL/mm with the UV detector set at 254 nm. Thin layer chromatography was carried out using pre-coated silica gel F-254 plates (thickness 0.25 mm). Electrospray MS spectra were obtained on a Micromass platform LCMS spectrometer. Crude, worked up compounds were purified by flash column chromatography using pre packed silica SPE columns (10 g silica) on an Isco Foxy 200 Combiflash system, and a gradient of 16.67% ethyl acetate in hexane increasing incrementally to 100% ethyl acetate.

List of Abbreviations

-   DCM=dichloromethane -   DIEA=N,N-diisopropylethylamine -   DMAP=4-diethylaminopyridine -   DME=ethyleneglycol dimethyl ether -   DMF=dimethylformamide -   DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide -   EDCI=1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride -   EDTA=ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid -   HCOOH=formic acid -   HOAT=1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotiazole -   HOBT=1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate -   MTBE=tert-butyl methyl ether -   TEA=trethylamine -   THF=tetrahydrofuran     Sulfonamide Couplings:     Method A:

1 Eq of the 2-aminothiazole was dissolved in pyridine (0.5 M solution). The sulfonyl chloride (1.2 eq) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 15 h. The reaction mixture was poured into aqueous HCl (1 M). If the product precipitated it was collected on a filter and washed with aqueous HCl (1 M) and recrystallised from ethanol. In case an oil was obtained, the crude was extracted with DCM and worked up and purified using standard procedures.

Method B:

A solution of the 2-aminothiazole derivative (1 eq), triethylamine (2 eq) and DMAP (1 eq) in DMF (1 M) and DCM (0.225 M) was dispensed into a reaction vial. The sulfonyl chloride (1.2 eq) was dissolved in DCM (0.33 W and added. The reaction mixtures were kept at room temperature over night. The mixture was then added to petroleum ether (10 times reaction volume). After some hours in refrigerator the supernatants were decanted and (a portion of) the residual materials were dissolved in DMSO-methanol-acetic acid (300 μL+500 μL+50 μL) and purified by preparative LCMS (acetonitrile-water gradients). The purest fractions were collected and lyophlihzed. Alternatively, the crude was isolated using extractive work-up and purified using standard procedures.

Saponifications:

Method C:

1 Eq of the ester was suspended in 95% ethanol (0.1 M) and treated with KOH (aqueous, 6 eq). Water was added until a clear solution was achieved. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2-3 h at ambient temperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude was redissolved in water. Addition of conc. HCl until pH 2 gave a precipitate which was collected on a filter and washed with cold water and dried.

Amide Couplings:

Method E:

The carboxylic acid was suspended in DCM (0.05M) followed by the addition of EDCI (1.1 eq), triethylamine (3 eq), DMAP (0.5 eq) and the amine of choice (1.2 eq). DMF was added when the staring materials did not dissolve properly. The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature over night. The organic phase was washed with aqueous HCl (1 M), dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The crude product amide was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel, eluting with methanol (1→3→6%) in: DCM or ethyl acetate.

Formation of Thiazole Ring:

Method H:

To a solution or suspension of an optionally substituted thiourea in ethanol (0.5 M), 1 equivalent of α-haloketone was added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred in a sealed tube at 95° C. for 4 h, cooled, concentrated, redissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate, dried over sodium sulfate and chromatographed on silica gel using petroleum-ether and ethyl acetate as eluents.

Method I:

To a 0.5 M solution of ketone (1 eq) and thiourea (2 eq) in ethanol at 60° C., 1 eq of iodine was added in one portion. The reaction tube was sealed and the reaction mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 16 hours. After evaporation of the solvent the residue was taken up in DCM, washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate, dried with magnesium sulfate. Products were purified by chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of petroleum-ether/ethyl acetate from 8:1 to 2:1 for elution.

KNOWN EXAMPLES

The compounds of the following Examples 2, 4 and 35 are commercially available and could e g be purchased from Maybridge.

-   2 [216A] N-(4-Methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide -   4 [218A]     4-methyl-N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide -   35 [341A]     N-[5-bromo-4-(tert-butyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide

NOVEL EXAMPLES

The following specific compounds were synthesized. The commercially available compounds thus only form embodiments, as indicated earlier in the description, as pharmaceutical compositions and use of said compounds as set out in the appended set of claims.

Example 1 [215A]

4-Chloro-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared according to METHOD A, giving 143 mg (41%) after recrystallization from DCM: MS (Ionspray, [M+H]⁺) m/z 288; Anal. Calcd. (found) for C₁₀H₉ClN₂O₂S₂: C 41.6 (41.5) % H 3.1 (2.7) % N 9.7 (9.3) %.

Example 3 [217A]

3-Chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 2-amino-4-methylthiazole (285 mg) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (619 mg) according to METHOD A. This afforded 167 mg (22%) of a yellow solid after purification: ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 2.1 (s, 3H), 2.6 (s, 3H), 6.35 (s, 1H), 7.35 (t, 1H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 12.7 (br s, 1H).

Example 5 [219A]

3-Chloro-2-methyl-N-[4-methyl-5(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared similar to EXAMPLE 6 according to METHOD A from 4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (123 mg, 0.5 mmol) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (112.5 mg, 0.5 mmol). The solution was allowed to stand at r.t. overnight. Water (5 mL) was added and the resulted solution was made acidic with conc. HCl. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried. Flash column chromatography of the precipitate on silica gel, eluted with a mixed solvents of ethyl ether and hexane (2:1) gave the title compound as a solid (165 mg, 76% yield). The product can be recrystallized from ethyl acetate and hexane: MS m/e: 439, 437, 435, 433.

Example 6 [220A]

2,4,6-trichloro-N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared according to METHOD A from 4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (123 mg, 0.5 mmol, prepared according to Dodinoy, A. A et al (1993) Chem. Heterocycl. Comp (Eng. Transl.) 29(8): 955-958) and 2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (140 mg, 0.5 mmol). The solution was allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The solution was directly loaded on a silica gel column for flash column chromatography, eluted with a mixed solvent of ethyl acetate and hexane (up to 40% v/v) to give a solid product. Crystallization of the product from ethyl acetate and hexane gave the title compound as a white solid (112 mg, 46% yield): mp 228-229° C.; MS m/e 487, 489, 491, 493, Anal. Calcd (found) for C₁₂H₈Cl₆N₂O₂: C 29.5 (29.7) % H 1.7 (2.1) % N 5.7 (5.8) %.

Example 7 [221A]

3-Chloro-N-(5-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD I) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to METHOD A, yellow solid, 42 mg (25% yield): HRMS Calcd (found) for C₁₃H₁₅ClN₂O₂S₂ m/z 330.0263 (330.0250).

Example 8 [222A ]

3-Chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-methyl-5-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 4-methyl-5-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD I) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to METHOD A, yellow solid, 110 mg (46% yield): HRMS Calcd (found) for C₁₄H₁₇ClN₂O₂S₂ m/z 344.0420 (344.0403).

Example 9 [224A]

3-Chloro-N-(4-ethyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 4-ethyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD H) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to METHOD A, yellowish solid, 53 mg (17% yield): HRMS Calcd (found) for C₁₂H₁₃ClN₂O₂S₂ m/z 316.0107 (316.0120).

Example 10 [225A]

3-Chloro-N-(4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,3,-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD I) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to METHOD A, yellowish foam, 40 mg (12% yield): HRMS Calcd (found) for C₁₃H₁₅ClN₂O₂S₂ m/z 330.0263 (330.0271).

Example 11 [226A]

3-Chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 4-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD 1) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to METHOD A, yellow solid, 90 mg (39% yield): mp 169° C.; HRMS Calcd (found) for C₁₃H₁₅ClN₂O₂S₂ m/z 330.0263 (330.0251).

Example 12 [227A]

3-Chloro-N-(4-isopropyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 4-isopropyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD I) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to METHOD A, white foam, 80 mg (48% yield): HRMS Calcd (found) for C₁₃H₁₅ClN₂O₂S₂ m/z 330.0263 (330.0257).

Example 13 [228A]

N-(4-Butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 4-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamime (METHOD H) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to METHOD A, yellow solid, 52 mg (22% yield): HRMS Calcd (found) for C₁₄H₁₇ClN₂O₂S₂ m/z 344.0420 (334.0414).

Example 14 [229A]

N-(5-butyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-butyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD I) and 2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a yellow solid (41 mg) with purity >90%. MS (pos) m/z 393.2, 395.2.

Example 15 [230A]

N-(4-Tert-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 4-tert-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD H) and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to METHOD A, white foam 273 mg (40% yield). mp 178° C.; HRMS Calcd (found) for C₁₄H₁₇ClN₂O₂S₂ m/z 344.0420 (344.0408).

Example 16 [231A]

Ethyl 3-(2-{[(2,4-dichloro-6-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-3-methylbutanoate

The title compound was prepared from ethyl 3-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-3-methylbutanoate (METHOD I) and 2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic method to give a white solid (55.0 mg) with purity >90%. MS (pos) m/z 451.2, 453.2.

Example 17 [232A]

2,4-Dichloro-6-methyl-N-(4-pentyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 4-pentyl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamine (METHOD I) and 2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (28.6 mg) with purity >90%. MS (pos) m/z 393.1, 395.1.

Example 18 [233A]

3-Chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-vinyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared in the following steps 1-4:

Step 1

Ethyl 2-(2-{[(3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)acetate was prepared according to METHOD A at 30° C., using a Quest 210 apparatus. This procedure gave 2.05 g (34%) of an off-white solid.

Step 2

To a solution of the product from Step 1 (5.00 g, 13.34 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (200 mL) was added litium aluminum hydride (1.06 g, 28.02 mmol) in small portions. The temperature was kept below 0° C. during the addition, and the mixture was stirred for 45 min. at 0° C., treated with water (1 mL), conc. HCl(1 mL) and water (1 mL). Sodium sulfate was added and the solid was filtered off. The solvent was evaporated and the crude product was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 20% acetone in dichloromethane to yield the product (2.41 g, 7.24 mmol, 54%).

Step 3

An ice-cold mixture of the product from Step 2 (2.03 g, 6.10 mmol), triphenylphosphine (4.80 g, 18.31 mmol) and carbon tetrabromide (6.07 g, 18.31 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was stirred for 1.5 h, and was then poured into water. The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane, dried (sodium sulfate) and the solvent was evaporated. The crude material was twice purified by flash chromatography on silica gel gradient eluting with 0-4% acetone in dichloromethane giving N-[4-(2-bromoethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide as a solid (990 mg, 41%).

Step 4

Sodium hydride (95% dry, 32 mg, 1.27 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of the product from Step 3 (240 mg, 0.61 mmol) and 3-hydroxypyridine (63 mg, 0.67 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) at 0° C. After 2 h at reflux temperature the reaction was neutralized by adding 2 M HCl and the product mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄) and the solvent was evaporated. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel gradient eluting with 2-5% acetone in dichloromethane giving the title compound as a solid (33 mg, 17%). MS (Ionspray, [M+H]⁺) m/z 314; Anal. Calcd (found) for C₁₂H₁₁ClN₂O₂S₂: C 45.8(45.0) % H 3.5(3.9) % N 8.9(9.1) %.

Example 19 [237A]

N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole and 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the'synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (12.2 mg) with purity >90%. LCMS (pos) m/z 331.2.

Example 20 [238A]

N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole and 3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (10.8 mg) with purity >90%. LCMS (pos) m/z 345.0.

Example 21 [239A]

N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole and 4-biphenylsulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (5.5 mg) with purity >90%. LCMS (pos) m/z 372.8.

Example 22 [240A]

N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-(3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole and 4-(3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy)benzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (9.9 mg) with purity >90%. LCMS (pos) m/z 448.0; LCMS (neg) m/z 446.0.

Example 23 [241A]

N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-propylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole and 4-n-propylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (11.6 mg) with purity >90%: MS (pos) m/z 339.2; HRMS m/z 338.0748 (calc. of monoisotopic mass for C₁₅H₁₈N₂O₃S₂ gives 338.0759).

Example 24 [242A]

N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole and 2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white-yellow solid (15.5 mg) with purity >90%. MS (pos) m/z 399.1, 401.1, 403.1.

Example 25 [243A]

N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole and 2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white-yellow solid (28.4 mg) with purity >90%. MS (pos) m/z 379.1, 381.1.

Example 26 [243B]

N-(5-Acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,5-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole (42 mg) and 2,4,5-trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (76 mg) as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (23.7 mg) with purity >90%: MS (pos) m/z 399.2, 401.2; HRMS m/z 397.9103 (calc. of monoisotopic mass for C₁₂H₉Cl₃N₂O₃S₂ gives 397.9120).

Example 27 [243C]

N-(5-Acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thiophenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole (42 mg) and 4-bromo-5-chlorothiophene-2-sulfonyl chloride (80 mg) as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (11.7 mg) with purity >90%: MS (pos) m/z 415.3, 417.3.

Example 28 [243D]

N-(5-Acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)bromo-2,5-difluorobenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole (42 mg) and 4-bromo-2,5-difluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (79 mg) as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (21.0 mg) with purity >90%: MS pos) m/z 411.2, 413.2.

Example 29 [243E]

N-(5-Acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,6-dichlorobenzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from 5-acetyl-2-amino-4-methylthiazole (42 mg) and 2,6-dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (66 mg) as described in the synthetic METHOD B to give a white solid (21.4 mg) with purity >90%: MS (pos) m/z 365.3, 367.3.

Example 30 [243F]

Ethyl 2-{[(3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-4-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate

Ethyl 2-amino4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylate (186 mg, 1.0 mmol) and DMAP (122 mg, 1.0 mmol) was mixed with DCM (4 mL) and Et₃N (0.28 mL, 2.0 mmol). The mixture was cooled in ice. 3-Chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (236 mg, 1.05 mmol) was added in two portions. After ½ h the mixture was stirred at room temperature and left overnight. More DCM was added and the solution was washed with aqueous HCl (0.2 M), water and aqueous sodium bicarbonate (0.1 M). A precipitate was separated from the solution. The solution was passed through a silica gel column, eluting with 2% methanol/DCM to give a product (73 mg after recryst. from methanol). The precipitate was combined with the 73 mg and recrystallized from methanol. Yield 266 mg, 71%: ¹H NMR (DMSO) δ 13.3 (bs, 1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 7.41 (s, 1H), 4.20 (q, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 1.24 (q, 3H); MS ES (neg) m/z 373.1.

Example 31 [243G]

Ethyl 2-[([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-ylsulfonyl)amino]-4-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate

This compound was prepared from ethyl 2-amino methylthiazole-5-carboxylate and 4-biphenylsulfonyl chloride as described for EXAMPLE 30 with the exception that it was not recrystallized. Yield 96 mg, 24%: ¹H NMR (DMSO) δ 7.8-7.95 (m, 4H), 7.65-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.55 (m, 3H), 4.23 (q, 2H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, 3H), MS-ES (neg) m/z 401.2.

Example 32 [243H]

Ethyl 4-methyl-2-{[(4-propylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1,3-thiazole-5-carboylate

This compound was prepared from ethyl 2-amino-4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylate and 4-n-propylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as described for EXAMPLE 30 with the exception that it was not recrystallized. Yield 315 mg, 85%: ¹H NMR (DMSO) δ 7.70 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d, 2H), 4.21 (q, 2H), 2.60 (t, 2H) 2.38 (s, 3H), 1.58 (m, 2H), 1.25 (t, 3H), 0.87 (t, 3H); MS-ES (neg) m/z 367.2.

Example 33 [243I]

Ethyl 2-{[(2,4-dichloro-6-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-4-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate

This compound was prepared from ethyl 2-amino-4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylate and 2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as described for EXAMPLE 30. Yield 254 mg, 62%: ¹H NMR (DMSO) δ 7.64 (d, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 4.22 (q, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 1.25 (t, 3H); MS-ES (neg) m/z 407.1.

Example 34 [243J]

Ethyl 4-methyl-2-{[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate

This compound was prepared from ethyl 2-amino-4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylate and 2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride as described for EXAMPLE 30 with the exception that it was purified by recrystallization only. Yield 249 mg, 58%: ¹H NMR (DMSO) δ 7.84 (s 2H), 4.23 (q, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.25 (t, 3H); MS-ES (neg) m/z 429.1.

Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above but a person skilled in the art realizes further minor alterations which would fall into the scope of the present invention. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A compound of the formula (I)

wherein T is a monocyclic heteroaryl ring, optionally independently substituted by [R]_(n), wherein n is an integer 0-5, and R is hydrogen, C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogen, aryl or aryloxy, wherein the aryloxy residue can further be optionally substituted in one or more positions independently of each other by cyano and halogen; A is C₁₋₆-alkyl, vinyl or 3-(ethyl 3-methylbutanoate); B is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, halogenated C₁₋₆-alkyl, C₁₋₆-acyl or C₁₋₆-alkoxycarbonyl; as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof.
 14. A compound according to claim 13, wherein T is 4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thienyl A is selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, vinyl or 3-(ethyl 3-methylbutanoate); B is selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, acetyl and carbethoxy.
 15. A compound of claim 13 that is N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thienylsulfonamide,
 16. A process for the preparation of a compound according to claim 13 comprising at least one of the following steps: a) sulfonamide coupling by reacting a 2-aminothiazole with a sulfonylchloride in the presence of a base, b) sulfonamide coupling by reacting a 2-aminothiazole derivative with a sulfonylchloride in the presence of a base, c) saponification by treatment of a carboxylic acid ester with aqueous hydroxide, d) amide coupling by reacting a carboxylic acid with an amine in the presence of EDCI, e) formation of a thiazole ring by reacting an optionally substituted thiourea with an α-haloketone, f) formation of a thiazole ring by reacting a thiourea with a ketone, g) reduction of an ester with lithium aluminium hydride, h) conversion of an alcohol to a bromide with triphenylphosphine and carbon tetrabromide, i) elimination of a bromide with a base to an alkene.
 17. A method for the treatment or prevention of diabetes, syndrome X, obesity, glaucoma, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, depression, virus diseases and inflammatory disorders and to achieve immuno-modulation, said method comprising administering to a mammal, including man, in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of the formula (I)

wherein T is an aryl ring or heteroaryl ring, optionally independently substituted by [R]_(n), wherein n is an integer 0-5, and R is hydrogen, C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogen, aryl or aryloxy, wherein the aryloxy residue can further be optionally substituted in one or more positions independently of each other by cyano and halogen; A is C₁₋₆-alkyl, vinyl or 3-(ethyl 3-methylbutanoate); B is hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogenated C₁₋₆-alkyl, C₁₋₆-acyl or C₁₋₆-alkoxycarbonyl; as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof.
 18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the immuno-modulation is achieved by the treatment or prevention of tuberculosis, lepra and psoriasis.
 19. A method according to claim 17, wherein T is selected from 4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thienyl and phenyl substituted with one or more of bromo, chloro, 3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy, fluoro, methyl, phenyl, n-propyl; A is selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, vinyl or 3-(ethyl 3-methylbutanoate); B is selected from hydrogen, bromo, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, acetyl and carbethoxy.
 20. A method according to claim 17, wherein the compound is selected from: 4-chloro-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, 3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, 4-chloro-N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide, 3-chloro-2-methyl-N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide, N-[4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl )-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-2,4,6-trichlorobenzene sulfonamide, 3-chloro-N-(5-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, 3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-methyl-5-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, 3-chloro-N-(4-ethyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl )-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, 3-chloro-N-(4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, 3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-propyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, 3-chloro-N-(4-isopropyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, N-(4-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, N-(5-butyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonamide, N-(4-tert-butyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, ethyl 3-(2-{[(2,4-dichloro-6-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1,3-thiazol-4-yl )-3-methylbutanoate, 2,4-dichloro-6-methyl-N-(4-pentyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, 3-chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-vinyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide, N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl) [1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamide, N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-(3-chloro-2-cyanophenoxy)benzene sulfonamide, N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,5-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide, N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-5-chloro-2-thienylsulfonamide, N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-2,5-difluoro-2-benzenesulfonamide, N-(5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3 -thiazol-2-yl)-2,6-dichlorobenzenesulfonamide, N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3-chloro-2-methylbenzene sulfonamide, N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-sulfonamide, N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl )-4-propylbenzenesulfonamide, N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dichloro-6-methylbenzene sulfonamide, N-(5-carbethoxy-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4,6-trichlorobenzenesulfonamide, N-[5-bromo-4-(tert-butyl )-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide.
 21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of the formula (I) as defined in claim 13, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 